On July 1, traveling to Thailand will become easier for tourists. The country is set to end its Thailand Pass registration program, and will remove it’s mandatory $10,000 health insurance requirement for international visitors.
After July 1, visitors to Thailand will only be required to show their certificate of COVID-19 vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR or rapid antigen test result from no more than 72 hours prior to travel. Per the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the proof of vaccination or negative test result can be in either print or digital format.
Visitors to Thailand may still be subject to random checks at international airports or land border checkpoints. If an unvaccinated or partially vaccinated visitor who is randomly checked is unable to show results of their pre-arrival COVID test, they were be required to undergo a professionally administered rapid antigen test. If a vaccinated visitor is randomly checked, they can simply show authorities their proof of vaccination.
Those traveling to Thailand prior to July 1 are still required to register online with Thailand Pass, providing both their certificate of COVID-19 vaccination, and their proof of travel medical insurance with at least $10,000 in coverage before traveling to Thailand.
Why Buy Travel Insurance for Thailand?
While it may be true that the requirement for international health insurance to enter Thailand is ending, the risks are not. You can still be exposed to food and water-borne illnesses, tropical cyclones, and even breakthrough COVID-19 infections.
Not all medical facilities in Thailand are able to provide the necessary care for all health conditions. As a result, medical evacuation to Singapore or another country may be required if the condition warrants it. As you can imagine, medical transport can be exceedingly expensive. If you do not have proper travel medical insurance, you could be responsible for paying a potentially unaffordable medical bill all by yourself.
An important part being a prepared traveler is managing your risks. One way you can do this is by controlling the impact that a health problem or travel mishap can have on your finances with travel medical insurance or travel insurance.
With proof of COVID vaccination or a negative test and the right travel insurance, you will be free to explore Thailand to your heart’s content.